This time next week, the cannons on Valletta’s Saluting Battery will be quiet once again after their traditional roar to start the 2011 Rolex Middle Sea Race. Approximately 80 yachts will be battling around the north and western coast of Sicily.
The challenges of the course are renowned and every crew member – new or experienced – will have researched the idiosyncrasies of the 606 nautical mile race ahead of them.
Regardless of the size or type of yacht, the role of each and every crew member is critical and age makes little difference to the expectations of the skipper.
Two of the youngest crew members taking part in this year’s race, starting on Saturday, are Maltese.
At just 16, Fabio Galea, on Oiltanking Juno, and Nicky Fenech, on Comanche Raider II Gasan Mamo, are about to undertake the experience of their lives.
The youngest by just one month, Fenech studies electrical engineering.
He started sailing on Mirror Tens, winning every event he took part in over a two-year period.
Comanche Raider skipper, Jonas Diamantino, said: “Nicky is a valued member of the team.
“Even though this is his first MSR, he’s sailed with us on a number of occasions and his experience as a dinghy and big-boat sailor is definitely an asset.”
Galea will join the crew on Oiltanking Juno as bowman. Skipper, David Anastasi, makes no bones about his intentions.
“For most of us it’s the second RMSR on Juno and while last year was a trial race, this time, we’re out to win,” he said.
Fabio’s father introduced him to the sport and at the age of eight he moved to competitive dinghy sailing on Mirrors. Soon, he was match-racing with Anastasi on H-Boats.
By 14, Galea was asked to join the British team for the World Championships in Dublin and two years later he finds himself competing in one of the Mediterranean’s major offshore classics.
Seemingly unperturbed by the pressure, Fabio said: “Being Juno’s bowman is a major task as it’s a pretty big boat.
“If conditions are rough, things can get tricky up there. But I love the adrenaline that I feel when something needs to be done fast, even a simple hoist. I’m sure I can help the guys deliver a great result.”